Hundreds of villagers from Narayanpur district and remote Maoist-infested villages attended the camp, which was organised at Faras village.

According to Deepak Rohella, Deputy Commandant of 39 Batallion, CRPF, the camp was organized with a motive to establish friendly relations with the villagers.

"The motive behind organizing this health check-up camp is that we can mingle with the villagers and bridge the gap between them and the paramilitary forces...to make them understand that administration and security forces are their friends and well-wishers and they have been deployed for the villagers' safety," said Rohella.

Doctors examined villagers and free medicines were also given to them.

The villagers appreciated the camp, and said it was a relief to them as government doctors avoid working in Maoist-affected villages.

"It a nice initiative. Such camps should be organized. In our village, we face difficulties because of the lack of doctors. We have an ashram here but no doctors...we have to travel 10 kilometers on cycle to get to a doctor..... We are receiving a lot of relief from this health camp," said Ravindra Kumar, a villager.

Maoist rebels, had on February 22, offered a conditional 72-day ceasefire through the media, and said they were willing to talk to the government if it aborts Operation Green Hunt. Many believe the offer was a ruse to enable them to regroup.

The Maoists contend they are fighting for the rights of the poor, marginal farmers and the landless labourers. (ANI)